Date:  Monday, October 26, 2009

Contact: Al Gilson, Communication Manager
WSDOT Eastern Region
2714 N. Mayfair
Spokane, WA  99207
(509)324-6015
gilsona@wsdot.wa.gov

 UPDATE:  The vessel returned to service on October 28th.

The Keller Ferry across the Columbia River on State Route 21 will be taken out of service on Wednesday, October 28, beginning at 6:00 a.m. until as late as 12 noon for an engine replacement.

One of the two engines on the vessel, Martha S. was overheating while crossing the river. The engine had been in use for about 18,000 hours. A reserve engine will be used to replace one of the two diesel units on the vessel. The engine removed will then be overhauled to be used as a spare.

Crews will begin work on the vessel just after midnight when service is over for the day and remove the malfunctioning engine. They will then transfer several control systems from that engine to the replacement unit prior to its installation. The complete engine swap process can take up to 12 hours.

Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes across the Columbia River. The nearest crossings are at Grand Coulee Dam on SR 155 or the Gifford/Inchelium Ferry to State Route 25 north of Davenport.

The ferry normally runs from 6:00 a.m. until midnight, seven days a week.  The Martha S. began service on the Columbia River in September 1948.

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